Abstract
OT is perfectly positioned to aid successful transition into junior high school through a universal approach to support positive mental health. This project details the development of Steppin' Up for Success: A Transition Program for Sixth Graders.
Primary Author and Speaker: Darlene F. Brooks
School transitions can be challenging for students, especially when students enter junior high school. Junior high school students experience significant developmental growth in the areas of autonomy, relationships, acceptance, cognitive skills. When a student transitions into junior high school, evidence indicates possible declines in motivation, school interest, and academic achievement. Personal relationships, self-worth, and coping skills are essential for a successful transition between schools. Adolescents engage in the occupations of education, leisure, social participation, and activities of daily living. Occupational therapy is perfectly positioned as a support service within the school to assist elementary school students transition successfully into junior high school through a universal approach to support positive mental health. This project determined what traits were important for a successful transition from elementary school to junior high school. A mixed methods approach was used to conduct a needs assessment for program development. A needs assessment was conducted using focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, and surveys of administrators, teachers, parents, counselors, and students. The results from the needs assessment led to the development of Steppin' Up for Success: A Transition Program for Sixth Graders. Responsibility and relationships were found to be the most important traits for success in junior high school. Communication, values, coping strategies, and respect were also traits that were rated high in importance for success in junior high school. These additional influential character traits are contributing character traits to support both responsibility and relationships. Based on the needs assessment and evidence-based practices, an occupation-based, school-based community program was developed to address occupations and character development to facilitate a successful transition from elementary school to junior high school.
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